Arda Guler finally made his Real Madrid debut after six months of waiting on the sidelines due to injuries.
Guler started and played 59-minutes against Arandina in the Copa del Rey, a glimpse of the prodigy’s potential that left both fans and manager Carlo Ancelotti enthralled.
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“We have to be patient with him,” Ancelotti said. “He showed his quality in the first half. The important thing is that he’s back, although he has to improve his physique and intensity.”
Despite the one-sided scoreline, Guler’s performance transcended the mere statistics.
Taking up the right wing in a fluid 4-3-3, Guler showcased his trademark confidence and left-footed elegance. He pirouetted past defenders, his shots cracking off the woodwork and threatening Arandina’s goal.
His self-belief was unmistakable, even brushing aside senior star Dani Ceballos to curl a dangerous free-kick that rattled the crossbar.
Guler’s hunger extended beyond goalscoring. One cross, a pinpoint delivery onto Nico Paz’s head, deserved a better finish, showcasing the teenager’s creative vision.
Guler reacted to his debut with a tweet on X revealing how happy he was to wear the ‘legendary jersey’.
Unfortunately, fatigue crept in late, leading to his substitution before Madrid wrapped up the game.
The debut wasn’t a fairy-tale ending, but it was a monumental first step. It was a glimpse of a future star in the making, a glimpse that has left Madridistas eager for more.